Group Captain Lalit Kumar Malhotra (13373) F (P) is on the posted strength of Air HQ (VB) with effect from 03 Apr 2001. He is currently working as Joint Director Personnel Officers. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and a graduate of the Staff Course from Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) Wellington. He has commanded a Jaguar Sqn and has been the Chief Operations Officers (COO) of a major operational airbase. In his present appointment, Gp Capt Malhotra was responsible for processing and documentation of appraisal reports in respect of nearly 10,000 officers and promotion of officers upto the rank of Gp Capt. During this period, a major change of policy came into effect which entailed, for the first time, a very large number of officers being empanelled for promotion to the rank of Gp Capt. Due to his meticulous planning, attention to detail and deep sense of commitment the Promotion Board was conducted in a flawless manner. He also displayed extraordinary initiative and dedication in exploring avenues for additional vacancies so as to improve the adversity in promotion ratios. This has borne the desired results.

As Commanding Officer of a front line Jaguar Squadron, he made the unit perform exceedingly well. During his tenure as COO, the Station won the coveted 'Best Station' trophy. His meticulous planning of flying activity led to successful conduct of the first ever 'Air-to-Air Refueling Capsule' held at AF Station, Ambala during Apr 1997. The same traits of professionalism and leadership have been evident in his present appointment where he has been a source of constant inspiration to his colleagues and subordinates.

For his high sense of professionalism, exemplary dedication and selfless devotion beyond the call of duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Lalit Kumar Malhotra.

Air Commodore Lalit Kumar Malhotra VSM (13373) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force on 02 June 1973. In his 32 years of distinguished service, he has held various prestigious command and staff appointments that include command of a fighter squadron, Chief Operations Officer of a major fighter base, Command of a Tactical Air Centre and Director Personnel (Officers) at Air HQ. The officer is a qualified flying instructor, graduate of Defence Services Staff College and alumni of Higher Command Course, MHOW.

The officer has approximately 4000 hours of accident free flying on a variety of fighter aircraft. As CO of a fighter Sqn, and later as COO of a major fighter base the officer had performed creditably in all aspects. As Director Personnel (Officers) at Air Headquarters, the officer had brought about many changes in promotion policies of officers resulting in faster promotions, and reduced adversity in promotion ratios.

As AOC, the officer has harmoniously amalgamated all facets of operations, maintenance and administration, and has created an environment conducive for safe flying operations leading to extensive amount of productive flying. Under his leadership, the station and its lodger units had put up a sterling performance during DASI and AEB. Having earned the enviable reputation of always delivering the goods, the Air Officer was chosen for being assigned the sole responsibility of preparation and deployment of 200 personnel strong contingent for Ex-Co-op Thunder 04-01 at Alaska during Jun-August 2004. The Air Officer operationalised the contingent it all its requisite disciplines in the shortest possible time with extremely high standards. Concu rrently, his station was also chosen as a pilot site for the IMMOLS project. Under his able leadership and guidance, the project has taken off rather successfully, thereby improving the functioning of op logistics in the IAF.

With emphasis on enhancing quality of life of all personnel and families, the Air Officer employed ingenuity and innovative ideas to bring about

phenomenal

improvements

by optimisation of resources and expeditious translation of concepts into actionable ideas. His clarity of thought and direction, and adept handling of the emergent situation created by unprecedented floods in August 2004 enabled the station to recover within 72 hours without any loss to its assets. All this has resulted in large savings to the exchequer. Other notable contributions made by the officer have been organising of an Op Seminar on Jaguar ops, dedication of a newly conceptualised Museum to the station, and creation of a work environment which has enabled his subordinates to work, towards clearly defined objectives thus maximising output. Total involvement at macro and micro levels in large number of work services and maintenance related innovations/modifi cations has again resulted in substantial savings and ease of ops. The officer has clearly led by example and has displayed exceptional op capabilities, administrative acumen and management skills in all facets of discharging his duties as the AOC of a major operational base.

Air Commodore Lalit Kumar Malhotra VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished services of exceptional order.